The Manitoba Junior Hockey League released their list of finalists for their six major awards on Friday morning. Three Oil Caps players have earned finalist status in three different categories after votes were recently placed by Coaches and General Managers from around the league.
Jordan Greig
Jordan Greig was listed as a finalist for the Brian Kozak Memorial Award, given to the league’s Top Defenseman on an annual basis. Greig leads all Virden blue-liners with 31 points (9 G, 22 A) in 46 games for the Oil Caps. The 20-year-old Souris product has been a stalwart for Virden all season long, playing big minutes against the top opposition from around the league. He was named the Sher-wood Hockey Defenseman of the Month in December and was recently named a runner-up for the January award. Greig was named a finalist along with Portage Terriers Captain and Brandon-product, Tanner Jago, and Winnipeg Blues’, Ryan Bittner.
Dylan Thiessen
Rookie forward, Dylan Thiessen, has also been recognized for his strong season. The Winnipeg product has been named as a finalist for the Vince Leah Trophy, awarded to the MJHL’s Top Rookie. Thiessen has 33 points (17 G, 16 A) while playing in all 51 of the Oil Caps games this season. His 10 power play goals gives him the second-most in the MJHL and the league leader amongst fellow rookies. So far this season, Thiessen has been named the IBAM Rookie of the Month once during the month of November, but was given an honourable mention on three different occasions during the months of October, December, and January. Thiessen is the youngest player in this category (1998-born) and will be in consideration for the award alongside Steinbach Pistons defenseman and Brandon-product, along with Waywayseecappo Wolverines forward, Rylee Zimmer.
Soren Frederiksen
Last, but not least, Soren Frederiksen has been named a finalist for the Lorne “Windy” Lyndon Memorial Trophy awarded to the player who demonstrates the best Hockey Ability and Sportsmanship in the MJHL. Frederiksen has had an impressive final season of Junior hockey, amassing 52 points (28 G, 24 A) along with 30 penalty minutes in 48 games played. The product of East St. Paul, MB is currently riding an 11-game point streak (four-game goal streak), dating back to January 9th in which he has 12 points over that span. The smooth-skating 20-year-old finds himself tied for ninth in MJHL scoring race and third overall in goals scored. In order for Frederiksen to win this award, he will have to edge out Portage Terriers forward and Elkhorn native, Bradley Bowles, as well as University of North Dakota commit, Jackson Keane from the Winnipeg Blues.
For the complete list of MJHL awards finalists, please click here for the MJHL press release. The Mike Ridley Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the league’s top scorer at the conclusion of the regular season.